Idol Headlines for 2/26/08

By On 02/26/2008 · 76 Comments · In Uncategorized

Judge Lets Sierra Sidestep Bureaucracy, Stay In Rehab

TAMPA — A judge has allowed former “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sierra remain in a California drug treatment program, despite what her attorney described as ridiculous bureaucracy.

Florida officials allowed Sierra to go to California for a yearlong stint at an in-house drug treatment facility. She was supposed to transfer her Florida probation to California. West coast officials, however, don’t want her to apply for their probation program while living in California, said Sierra’s attorney, John Fitzgibbons. They want her to fly back to Florida, apply for California probation status, then return to California.

“It’s almost nonsense,” Fitzgibbons said. Fitzgibbons told the judge that every progress report and all indications show that Sierra is doing well in treatment at the Pasadena Recovery Center.

TBO.com

Would You Willingly Refer to Yourself as a Danny’s Fanny?

The more insane American Idol fans out there have a tendency to gather into groups online, with said groups marking their territory via cute avatars, picture-choked signature files, and semi-catchy names. The most nutty/devoted/well-named group is, of course, Taylor Hicks’ Soul Patrol, who make up for their hero’s low SoundScans with fervent comment-section support of their icon; there’s also the Con Con Girls (for Constantine Maroulis and, presumably, the blow-dryer that sets his chest hair just right); the Fanjayas (in support of Sanjaya Malakar and his ever-changing locks) and the Claymates (you can probably guess who they’re rallying behind). But this year, the fan club names over at IdolForums.com seem a bit… lacking.

Idolator

‘American Idol’ Power List: Rating the Final 20

1. David Archuleta
Cuddly former Star Search winner destroyed the competition in our latest reader poll, and his rock-solid performance of ”Shop Around” last week only cemented his front-runner status. One potential weakness at this point might be a whiff of false modesty. We know you know you’re good, kiddo! (Last week’s Power Ranking: No.1)

2. Jason Castro
How do you go from invisible contestant with no pre-semifinal airtime to the week’s buzz-worthiest hopeful? By taking the stage with your guitar and delivering a sweet, understated take on the Lovin’ Spoonful hit ”Daydream,” then showcasing a delightfully hippie vibe in your post-performance interview. (New this week)

Entertainment Weekly

Reality contest should keep it amateur night By Ayla Brown

This past week we learned that many à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  contestants have had prior recording and performing experience on a national scale (see related story).

Thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s something wrong here. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  is about the American Dream. It is about finding a diamond in the rough. It is about the rags-to-riches story. Since when has à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  turned into a battle of the has-beens? Numerous contestants have already had their shot at stardom; give the amateurs a shot.

When I was on the show two seasons ago, it was the same story. Lisa Tucker had been on Broadway, Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry were already in bands that were selling CDs, and Mandisa was doing studio work and touring with famous country singers.

These people are professionals who have been performing and recording for years. So is it fair that a professional like Taylor Hicks won the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  competition? I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think it is.

Boston Herald

Jason Castro and American Idol Mania

Since Jason Castro of Rockwall performed “Daydreamin” on American Idol last week, the Garland office has been abuzz.

We’ve met tons of Jason’s friends, chatted with some adoring fans in the area and attended an idol watching party in Rockwall.

We’ve also watched our videos of Jason winning Battle of the Bands in Rowlett last year skyrocket in views. If you haven’t had the chance yet, you’re on of the few! Watch them here and here. Check out what his friends and fans had to say, here..

Neighborsgo

Stars in her eyes

Kady Malloy, like so many young singers, takes a do-or-die approach to superstar success.

“The lights have been on since I could start speaking,” she says. “There’s never been anything else that I’ve even thought about doing.”

Malloy, 18, is now a top 20 finalist on American Idol. Even before the show, she was adamant that nothing – especially a backup plan – got in her way.

“I didn’t even plan on going to college. I always knew that I wanted to be a recording artist,” she says. “I didn’t even try and get any scholarships.

Chron.com

‘Idol’ stardom almost a reality: Singer’s clips nail judges’ audition

He is remembered by many across the country as the contestant on this year’s American Idol who has kept his clipped fingernails in a baggie since fifth grade. But here’s what the TV cameras didn’t show: Brandon Green, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Lucedale, wowing the judges with his acoustic rendition of Stephen Stills’ Love The One You’re With during the first week of Hollywood auditions and receiving a fast pass, straight to the final round; performing the Gavin DeGraw tune, I Don’t Want To Be, and getting a ‘yes’ from Paula Abdul and the crusty Simon Cowell into the Top 48.

But here’s what the TV cameras didn’t show: Brandon Green, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Lucedale, wowing the judges with his acoustic rendition of Stephen Stills’ Love The One You’re With during the first week of Hollywood auditions and receiving a fast pass, straight to the final round; performing the Gavin DeGraw tune, I Don’t Want To Be, and getting a ‘yes’ from Paula Abdul and the crusty Simon Cowell into the Top 48.

And Green is convinced except for a couple of less-than-perfect notes during his last performance, he would have earned a spot in this year’s Idol Top 24.

Clarion Ledger

ET teens say show’s portrayal of them one thing; reality another

“American Idol” gave East Tennessee teens Amy Catherine Flynn and Josiah Leming an image.

Now, they’re ready to find their own identities.

She was known as the serious, abstinence-touting, all-American, dance squad, pom-pom teen. He was the weeping bad boy with the British accent when he sang who lived out of his car.

Both impressed the judges enough to make it to the Hollywood rounds this season. Their chances to be in the top 24 were dashed there.

Knox News

Abdul’s singing like there’s no tomorrow

She blew them away (albeit after the fact) with a pre-recorded performance on the Super Bowl pre-game broadcast.

The video was a pirated Internet hit even before its official debut last week on American Idol.

The title, however, is a bit misleading. Paula Abdul’s “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” is more about dancing like there was no yesterday. And tomorrow is looking more like the day before.

The new single, a collaboration with fellow American Idol judge Randy Jackson, is her first new release in over a decade. And it’s good à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ even Simon Cowell says so. Sort of.

“He told me, `I hate you, (but) I love the song,’” relates Abdul, addressing the press in a Fox-sponsored phone conference.

The Star

It pays to be Mr. Nasty: Simon Cowell splashes out  £40MILLION for a new home

Simon Cowell may be the man everyone loves to hate, but he has made himself very, very rich in the process.

Now at last he has found a way of spending some of his wealth – by splashing out  £40 million on a house in west London.

Or, judging by these pictures, a large hole in the ground (with a very nice house attached).

Daily Mail

Phil’s Pages: Chapter 5

I had the day off yesterday, so I’m a little behind in posting. So let’s immediately hear from Phil in the latest installment of his diary, with some fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into the challenges of mustering up a decent performance on the show. Definitely a must to read …

I’ve always been a big fan of American Idol, and watched and voted every year, and, after this first week of live performances, I’m hooked again for another season. I’ll say that there were a few that I was really happy for and others that I felt for. It’s funny that someone can give one non-perfect performance on American Idol and everyone starts talking about how non-talented they are. Come on, people, these are the folks who emerged as the best 24 contestants out of 100,000 auditions. Though I’m sure there were 99,976 people back home telling everyone in the room with them, “I could’ve done better”, there are some inherent challenges that can make for a less-than-perfect performance.

USA Today

‘Idol’ finalist Melinda Doolittle gets a scoop on her career

Melinda Doolittle says the musical ride she’s been on is still the “craziest ever.”

Doolittle, 30, finished third on last season’s “American Idol.” She’s gearing up for a CD launch in June (the track “My Funny Valentine” can be downloaded at iTunes), and she’ll be in the Sacramento area on Wednesday as part of a Dreyer’s ice cream promotion.

As part of that promotion à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ in which people have been asked to vote on five new “Idol”-inspired ice cream flavors à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ 10 participating households, including one in Sacramento, will be selected to receive a private concert by Doolittle at their home. The winner will be informed after today’s drawing.

Sacbee.com

Celebrity Guests to Help Celebrate Mercy Ministries’ 25th Anniversary

On Friday night, April 18th, multiple award-winning artists will come together for a unique concert at the Belmont University Curb Center at 7pm. Artists include American Idol finalist, Mandisa, Dove Award-winning artists, BarlowGirl, GMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Natalie Grant, Grammy nominees Israel Houghton and New Breed, and spokespersons for the organization since the early 1990′s, Point of Grace. Master of Ceremonies is Ericka Dunlap, 2004 Miss America.

Nancy Alcorn, founder of Mercy Ministries, will be one of five world-renowned speakers at an all day women’s conference at the Belmont University Curb Center on Saturday, April 19th starting at 9:30 a.m. Other speakers include best selling author from Sydney, Australia, Christine Caine, motivational speaker, Priscilla Shirer, author and former actress Holly Wagner, and best-selling author and speaker Charlotte Scanlon-Gambill from the United Kingdom. Natalie Grant, Israel Houghton and New Breed will provide music for the event.

PRWeb

Vince Gill Raffles $650,000 HouseFebruary 25, 2008 – Vince Gill and his wife, Amy Grant, performed in Franklin, Tenn., last Friday, but the show was hardly a run-of-the-mill concert. It marked the start of a raffle of a house valued at $650,000 to raise funds for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Friday’s kick-off concert drew 800 people. In addition to Vince and Amy, it featured former American Idol finalists Phil Stacey and Melinda Doolittle, plus Nashville funk act the Wooten Brothers.

GAC

Kellie Pickler Picks Men’s Minds

February 25, 2008 – Kellie Pickler currently has her second Top 25 single with “Things That Never Cross A Man’s Mind,” and it’s loaded with thoughts and behaviors that are predominantly female: shopping, shoes and the color of the carpet, to name a few.

Oddly enough, the song wasn’t really intended for women. It was meant to let male listeners know that, yes, Kellie really does understand how men’s minds work.

GAC

Umatilla County Fair Board releases this year’s line-up

Kellie Pickler, who sang in the fifth season of American Idol, will headline the Umatilla County Fair entertainment in August. Since coming in sixth on the reality show, the country singer sold more than 700,000 copies of her album “Small Town Girl.”

The Umatilla County Fair Board announced Pickler’s performance and the rest of the entertainment menu at Saturday night’s coronation ceremony. The musical line-up kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 5, with country singer-song writer Clay Walker.

Eastoregonian

S.T.A.G.E. Bacharach Benefit Will Feature McKechnie, Manchester, Cook and More

As previously announced, the songs of Academy and Grammy Award-winning pop composer Burt Bacharach à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  whose one Broadway musical, Promises, Promises, earned eight 1969 Tony nominations à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  will be the focus of the benefit concert. Entitled Blame It on Bacharach!, the annual AIDS benefit will be presented March 8 at 8 PM and March 9 at 3 PM at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills, California. David Galligan will direct the concerts with musical direction by Mary Ekler.

Those scheduled to interpret the works of Bacharach include Grammy Award winner Melissa Manchester, “American Idol” finalist Justin Guarini, stage and screen star Marilu Henner, Oscar and Grammy nominee Stephen Bishop, R&B singer Deniece Williams and “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” host Jai Rodriguez as well as Marilyn Maye, Betty Garrett, Carole Cook, Pat Marshall and Nancy Dussault. The original “Plaids” from the long-running Forever Plaid à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  Stan Chandler, David Engel, Roger Befeler and Larry Rabin à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  will also be part of the concerts.

Playbill

Review: Clay Aiken fits as Sir Robin in ‘Spamalot

We know that Fantasia, Aiken’s fellow breakout survivor from gladiator TV, had a phenomenal stage debut last year as a replacement for the star in “The Color Purple.” But what are the chances that another newbie from the South with zero stage experience would be able to slip into a high-maintenance Broadway hit without dragging it down like a boulder tied to its soft shoe?

So it’s excellent news for Aiken and “Spamalot,” not so good for drama schools. Aiken is a charmer. With his aging cherub face and a frizzle-pageboy wig, he goes sweetly and deftly Medieval on Broadway – a world described in the show as “a very special place with people who can sing and dance, often at the same time.”

Newsday

Carrie Underwood dazzles audiences

Carrie Underwood simply dazzles audiences on stage, and her live, in-person charisma could convert even people who might have been lukewarm about her songs on the radio.

The young, blonde country music star — who also has become a household name in pop and Christian circles since her “American Idol” win in 2005 –told the audience on Friday that she was worried no one would show up at the Petersen Events Center in Oakland because the weather was so bad. The audience responded with noises that echoed everyone’s sentiment: “Well, of course I came. How could I miss it?”

Pittsburgh Live

Carrie Underwood delivers memorable performance

Carrie Underwood: thousands of fans; 23 songs; four outfits; one stage; one American Idol.

On Sunday the Dunkin Donuts Center was nearly sold out for the 2008 Female Country Vocal Grammy Award winner. Underwood proved why she was has won numerous awards including several Grammys, several CMT awards, and several AMA awards. At the Dunkin Donuts Center, Underwood came off as both versatile and personable.

The show, set for 7:30 p.m. had a delayed start because opening act Josh Turner came down with the flu several hours before the performance. At 8:15, the lights dimmed, the crowd cheered and a 5-minute countdown began on the backdrop screen of the stage. As the clock got closer to zero the crowd got louder and louder. When it hit zero, everyone was standing awaiting the entrance of the 2004 “American Idol” winner.

University Of Rhode Island

Underwood sings to 10,000 at Arena

There weren’t many surprises during the first hour or so of Carrie Underwood’s concert Monday night in Bridgeport à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  that came in the encore à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and that was just fine with the capacity crowd of about 10,000 who made their way to the Arena at Harbor Yard. The country superstar is out on her first headlining tour to promote her new record, “Carnival Ride,” and promote it she did, performing 11 of the disc’s 13 songs with a handful of tunes from her debut smash “Some Hearts” thrown in.

The boisterous crowd was on its feet seemingly from the time the on-screen clock counting down to showtime reached the one-minute mark until the end of her 90 minutes on stage. Even an opening glitch that had Underwood briefly singing into a microphone that wasn’t turned on couldn’t cool the warm welcome she received.

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  • Kirsten

    Season seven is jam-packed with professionals and that truly takes away from what the show is supposed to represent. I feel bad for contestants like David Archuleta, because his raw talent will hurt him in the end. He wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t stand a chance against individuals whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve already had record deals.

    Wow. Ayla is seriously misinformed. A winner of Star Search is at a disadvantage when competing with people who made their own CD and sold it out of the trunk of their car? Every busker I see these days has a self-produced CD for sale. Who knew they were professionals that had made it? LOL.

    In other news, spoilers are starting to leak. There are some song spoilers (some of the seem fake) and Ricky Hoggard posted the vote rankings for last week. Some surprises in there.

  • http://www.idolicious.com Kat

    These people are professionals who have been performing and recording for years. So is it fair that a professional like Taylor Hicks won the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  competition? I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think it is.

    Wow, Ayla Brown is kind of an idiot, isn’t she?

  • MrsTrep

    In regards to the Jason Castro article…. did he suddenly decide to start performing once he made the top 24… he said he’s only performed in public 5 times, but I have seen some stuff on YouTube and now this article. I think the guy rocks, but wondering….

    Also, Kirsten where are the spoilers???

  • Kirsten

    he said heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s only performed in public 5 times, but I have seen some stuff on YouTube and now this article.

    Well, the “Battle of the Bands” and those YouTube posts plus being on that MTV show Cheyenne (and in her video). That makes 3 performances. Maybe the other two were an elementry school play (he was the tree) and he once did a magic trick at his parent’s party. It all adds up…

    Yah, I’m thinking the “only performed 5 times in public” thing is a bit of a myth.

    Also, Kirsten where are the spoilers???

    I think that the source is IDF, but they are starting to filter out to other sites. I believe that we can’t post spoilers in headlines or I’d post them here.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I think that the source is IDF, but they are starting to filter out to other sites. I believe that we canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t post spoilers in headlines or Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d post them here.

    Song spoilers are fine. Post away… :) .

    At this point the ban on spoilers above the fold is over. That rule is only for the auditions… (Top 24, 50). :) .

  • Kirsten

    ETA: I just saw MJ’s Post. Are we allowed to post judges reactions?

    David A goes last, gets a tongue bath (that’s not a spoiler) and sings “Imagine”. Here he is performing this same song on a TV show when he was 13.

    Michael is first.
    Jason sings second (I believe that is Castro)

    Jason C and David C each play a guitar.

    Danny and David A sing slow songs. Michael sings a semi-slow song. All the rest were uptempo.

    These are coming from a young David A. fan who attended yesterday’s taping. Apparently, the tapings are later this week (perhaps because Ryan had to cover the Oscars this weekend?). This spoiler does mention judges reactions (but sadly, only remembered the song that David A. sung. Understandable with all the excitement).

  • MrsTrep

    Kirsten you are KILLING ME!! I can’t go to YouTube at work!! The torture!! STOP!!!! And I want them ALL!

    In case you can see it from my typing I am throwing a royal three year old style fit over here :)

  • Chrissey58

    I think Ayla is (still) bitter over being voted off (and early too)….JMO

  • Kirsten

    Kirsten you are KILLING ME!! I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t go to YouTube at work!! The torture!! STOP!!!! And I want them ALL!

    LOL. I’ve updated my post so that you will know what that song is. We only have the one song title so far. Ricky Hoggard says that he has posted all the song spoilers, but you have to be his “friend” to see them and apparently, nobody who is his friend wants to spill it to the general public.

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    The boys’ performance pics are up. David C. also used a guitar this round.

    http://foxflash.com/div.php/main/page?aID=1z2z0z246z1z6

  • PrplDva

    MrsTrep
    Feb 26th, 2008 at 8:34 am
    In regards to the Jason Castro articleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦. did he suddenly decide to start performing once he made the top 24à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ he said heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s only performed in public 5 times, but I have seen some stuff on YouTube and now this article. I think the guy rocks, but wonderingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

    I though he said he had only SANG in public a few times. Did he sing in the battle of the bands thingy? (I didnt watch)

  • poporange

    Alya Brown for someone on that season you really do not know about season 5 . Missed a few Elliott Yamin was in a jazz band played a some gigs, Paris was in theater also and Bucky preformed some too.Yes thier probably more but so according to her standards none of thsese derserved to win? The diference none were signed or to my knowledge were on Star search and called phenons. Alya has a right to her opinion lack of knowledge could of been helped with just a tiny bit of reading.

  • Kirsten

    The boysà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ performance pics are up.

    Getty Images also has pictures for that night. 6 pages of them. Flick them really fast and you can practically see the show.

    Getty: Top Ten Guys

  • primeminister

    MrsTrep
    Feb 26th, 2008 at 8:34 am
    In regards to the Jason Castro articleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦. did he suddenly decide to start performing once he made the top 24à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ he said heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s only performed in public 5 times, but I have seen some stuff on YouTube and now this article. I think the guy rocks, but wonderingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦.

    I though he said he had only SANG in public a few times. Did he sing in the battle of the bands thingy? (I didnt watch)

    He DID sing in the battle of the bands thing.

    Well, the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Battle of the Bandsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  and those YouTube posts plus being on that MTV show Cheyenne (and in her video). That makes 3 performances. Maybe the other two were an elementry school play (he was the tree) and he once did a magic trick at his parentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s party. It all adds upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    But not on the MTV show or in Cheyenne’s video.

    So, the list probably goes like this:
    1) Prophet bar youtube clips
    2) Battle of the Bands
    3) Church singing Clumsy by Chris Rice
    4) Church singing I’m Not Who I Was by Brandon Heath
    5) ???

    But I do think the part about being camera-shy is a bit much– he was on MTV for heaven’s sake!

  • IGetCranked

    Ayla’s just a jealous haterrrrrrr!

    OMG Brandon Greene’s Mom cracked me up! The things you do for your children!

    Oooh spoilers spoilers spoilers! *snoopy dances* Last year they could have sang naked with a rubber glove on their head and I wouldn’t have cared. This is so much better!

    (Yes, I am older than 13.. why do you ask?)

  • primeminister

    The boysà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ performance pics are up. David C. also used a guitar this round.

    http://foxflash.com/div.php/main/page?aID=1z2z0z246z1z6

    Let me have a fangirl moment and just say…LUKE IS SO FRIGGIN HOT! AHHHH!

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    ETA: I just saw MJà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Post. Are we allowed to post judges reactions?

    Anything goes at this point

  • primeminister

    If I remember correctly from IDF,

    The judges did not like Jason Castro because he played his guitar.
    They were harsh on Michael and Jason Y. as well. The person who posted said that the most negative comments went to the two Jasons.

    Chikezie, Luke, Cook, Danny, Robbie did well.

    They loved loved loved David A. as well as David H.

  • IGetCranked

    Anything goes at this point

    Isn’t that a dangerous thing to say to this bunch? Bahahaha

    I can’t get the pictures to enlarge. Now how am I supposed to lick my screen?

  • Kirsten

    Anything goes at this point

    BWAHAHAHA

    Okay, here are the impressions of the person who attended the show (so far, her spoiler about Jason C playing the guitar turned out to be true…granted, that was an easy call) – beccabut at idf:

    Michael: Michael did good, but judges thought he picked wrong song and Simon thought it was weak

    Jason C: Thought he was good, but the judges did not like it. Said that he shouldn’t have played the guitar twice in a row.

    Danny: Judges said he did better this week

    Chikezie: Chikeze improved a lot. Judges seemed pleased

    David A: Incredible performance and the judges loved him

    David H: Probably one of the best performances. Judges thought did really good

    David C: Played guitar and rocked it out. Thought he did well, but cannot remember judge’s comments

    Jason Y: Did not do good and the judges “bagged on him”. Judges told him he looked like a drunk guy dancing on stage

    Robbie C: Thought he did good, but the judges said that he still wasnt proving to be rock

    Luke: Pretty sure he did pretty good… [becca] loved it. Doesn’t remember what the judges said.

  • poporange

    deleted not as funny as thought

  • primeminister

    So basically beccabut though everyone but Jason Y did “good.” lol.

  • IGetCranked

    Hmmm David A better watch out. He may peak too early and set up too high of expectations.

    I really like this group of guys. I really wish that we could keep them all for a few extra weeks. I’m sure by then a few of them will be wearing on me.

  • Kirsten

    I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get the pictures to enlarge. Now how am I supposed to lick my screen?

    Try here. Somebody has pulled the larger versions of the pictures onto their site.

    Warning: mjsbigblog is not responsible to any damage done to electrical equipment caused by licking the screen.

    ok nobody will read this anywaysà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’

    Well, one person did…LOL. Oh, and I’m such a geek…it’s KITT…Knight Industries Two Thousand

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Kristen, where are Ricky’s vote rankings? I’m curious.

  • Kirsten

    So basically beccabut though everyone but Jason Y did à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“good.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  lol.

    If I went to a taping with my school group, I probably would too. LOL. I imagine it’s pretty exciting in the audience.

  • Kirsten

    Kristen, where are Rickyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s vote rankings? Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m curious.

    1. Michael John
    2. David Cook
    3. David. A
    4. Jason Castro
    5. Danny Noreiga
    6. Jason Yaeger
    7. Luke Menard.
    8. David Hernandez
    9. Chikezie
    10. Robbie Carrico
    11. Colton Berry
    12. Garret Haley

    1. Carly Smithson
    2. Asia’h Epperson
    3. Brooke White
    4. Kristy Lee Cook
    5. Alaina Whitaker
    6. Syesha Mercado
    7. Ramiele Malubay
    8. Amanda Overmyer
    9. Kady Malloy
    10. Alexandrea Lushington
    11. Joanna Borgella
    12. Amy Davis

    Ricky’s post at IDF

  • IGetCranked

    MJ, I saw a link to them in the spoiler thread of VFTW. Is this guy fairly reliable?

    Warning heeded Kirsten. Thanks! LOL
    Does anyone else think Jason Y looks like a young Val Kilmner in his picture?

  • http://www.myspace.com/xmisstarax Miss Tara

    So my boyfriend gets negative comments this week, huh? Guess I’ll just have to vote a little more.

  • poporange

    nobody wil read but one attempt at humor.

    David A (picture)-looks like “pony boy” from “outsiders”. Get allot of vots from tweens and othes but stay away from the fire.

    Micheal J- Looks like the guy from the new “knight Nider” show. I am still waiting for KITT to aapear?

    Luke – Looks like Orlando Bloom and is quite hot. I am wondering if that is his true age or it is like 500 years old.(LOR refernce)

    Jason Yeager- if it was all a black background would all you would see be a singing head ? If so is it a out there refernce to the GodFather movies?

    Daivd A whom I like if but right now is the judges pet.(like teachers pet)Ugly turn for AI Watch out some jealous contestant may introduce you to the world of jello shots before ya sing.

  • rher

    prime et al, regarding Jason C singing only 5 times in public. He mentioned in one of his videos (neighborsgo, which mj posted) that he sang a couple of times in a coffee shop, so I guess that counts toward the 5?

    I don’t know whether this was already mentioned, but the spoiler did say it was definitely 70s night.

    I agree, Jason Y does look like a young Val Kilmer!

  • bean99

    I guess I’m going to disagree with Michael Slezak this season. I like Amanda but #3 in the rankings? I’d also put Syesha and David Cook higher than he did.

    I laughed at Ayla’s article. Every season has had some with records out or experience singing in bands including Kelly Clarkson. Others have sang in choirs or school or whatever but nobody is really prepared to compete on the show except maybe the one she felt sorry for, David Archeletta. :blink_tb:

    I guess I’d better vote for Michael this week if he goes first and the judges don’t like him, also Jason Castro.

    Those vote rankings seem strange to me. I can’t believe that Carly got so many votes plus I’d have thought David A. would have had the most votes of the guys. Interesting if true.

  • maracaibo

    What? So Michael did not do well today? Apparently the judges were harsh with him. Bummer.
    Oh well.. Maybe he is not a Top 12 lock like I thought.

    It is so obvious David A is the chosen one. Don’t you think?
    I have to bet some money on him. He is a nice talented kid though, so he deserves it. I think he will be very successful with the teens and Disney crowd.

  • http://www.idolicious.com Kat

    Aw, Jason Y. does poorly, huh? Let’s just hope this is a preteen’s ramblings and not the actual way it shakes out. I really think he’s got a good voice in there and I want to hear more of it. Although maybe he’s been reading the boards and knows that there’s a contingent of viewers out there who respond positively to the “drunk guy dancing” image… :innocent1_tb:

  • IGetCranked

    beane99, It may be that people were voting for who they thought was in the most danger so they didn’t throw as many votes David A’s way?? I can’t see any other way that David Cook would be higher. Then again, the rest of the voting pattern doesn’t look that way.

    ETA Dialidol looked more authentic to me.

  • jpfan

    Jason Y is so boy band boring in every way possible. So is David A but more talented. Sometimes TCO is the best one although David A would be as dull as Jordin. Can you imagine his album? I don’t see how any of the others can beat him though. He just has more talent.

  • poporange

    hi pj

  • MN Sue

    Yum! I just saw the pics of Luke. IGC, I totally agree with the lick factor. Maybe, I’ll need to make an exception to my no vote vow and throw a few votes for the Lukesicle.

    ETA: For jpfan and others, I’ve enjoyed his voice, too. It’s just, for me, he’s ear and eye candy.

  • jpfan

    LMAO at all the posts of women who vote for the “cute” ones. I guess it evens out with the guys who vote for the girls with the biggest tatas. Although, I think female voters >>>>> male voters. Well, at least I have some idea of why people like Blake and Taylor did as well as they did. :)

  • Kirsten

    Well, at least I have some idea of why people like Blake and Taylor did as well as they did. :)

    And why ugly people like Chris D. go home so soon… ;-)

    Sorry, couldn’t resist. Not with a setup like that. LOL. Flamethrowers down…it’s just a joke. Shock boot…now explained. Yes, yes, we all have been told that Chris is sex on a stick. There is no accounting for tastes. Everybody is different. Yadda. Yadda. Blah. Blah. OK, I’ll just shut up now (and don some asbestos underwear). Just ignore me. I’m giddy from getting spoilers today. No fighting in the war room!

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    Chris Daughtry covered a Bon Jovi song, now heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s touring with him

    …On the mentoring he got from Chad Kroeger of Nickelback: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“One of the most important things he told me – besides tips on songwriting, how to keep your voice in shape, stuff like that – was, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Stop reading about yourself.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ He said you start second-guessing yourself. Reading reviews on the show – theyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re not always going to be good. Most of them, when it comes to critics and stuff, arenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t going to say that many great things about you, and it gets in your head and starts to change your whole thing.

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“It sounds funny, but really – I think it helps out a lot. You start thinking, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Yeah, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really picture Bono sitting here reading about himself and wondering what other people think about him, because who cares?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  (Laughs)…

    PopMatters

  • bean99

    I liked Luke’s looks a lot more before I saw him perform last week. I didn’t like his song, voice, or the way he reacted to the judge’s comments. He’s one of my least favorites of the guys along with Robbie and Jason Y. I hope the 2 going home are among them.

    I agree that the numbers could be skewed if people thought certain ones were safe. I set up DialIdol to keep certain ones safe so I don’t think any calls went for Michael or Jason Castro. I still have 3 or 4 favorites so will have to see how they perform tonight.

  • jpfan

    My comment about Blake/Taylor was a joke. They were interesting and different. Luke (Orlando Bloom) and Jason (Val K.) need every “cute” vote they can get.

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    American Idol – Simon Cowell wasn’t impressed with the performances

    …Simon told OK magazine: “I think they were better in the auditions,

    “The songs that they’d chosen were a bit boring. I don’t think that we’ve heard the best of them yet…”

    myparkmag

  • http://www.myspace.com/mignonette33 purplesmile

    American Idol Top 10 Boys And Top 10 Girls Performance Shows

    Once again American Idol fans can look forward to three episodes of American Idol 7 this week. However, instead of two hours like last week, the performance shows this week are only ninety minutes…

    Reality TV Magazine

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    What makes Ayla’s comments even funnier is that there were many contestants who resented her. Because, her Hollywood status leaked early and she gave press interviews before she was supposed to. She was all over the press while other contestants were keeping their mouths shut, because they were instructed by TPTB to do so.

    There are those that say Ayla may have had an unfair advantage because her mother was a popular newscaster and her dad a politician.

    She’s full of crap. lol.

  • Sunny D

    Jason Y looks like cloning experiment mixup of Jason Ritter and Val Kilmer

  • http://stores.ebay.com/BookWomanBlues-Book-Nook Bobbi

    Simon told OK magazine: “There are good and bad ’60s songs, but they chose some of the worst songs that I have ever heard in my entire life,

    “It’s like some of them deliberately chose some of the worst songs that they could find!”

    It is as if Simon has no idea that the contestants supposedly had a very limited list of songs to choose from. Doesn’t this sound odd if he, in fact, knew that? Something just doesn’t seem to be adding up here.

  • MN Sue

    For me, AI has stopped being a vehicle to discover the next great American recording star. I’ve become cynical about a show that wants to crown a current, relevant superstar, yet makes its captives perform from a limited ancient playlist. What it has become, for me, is 3 months of entertainment where the voice, the look, the personality, and the performance value factor into whether I care about the individual’s survival. This is the resason why I’m pulling for some (Luke, Danny, David A., Jason C., Brooke, Amanda) and couldn’t care less about how long some others last (Michael, Jason Y., David C., Seyesha, Kristy). I’ve already found 2 artists to enthusiastically support outside of the Idol bubble. All AI has to do is put on a great show week after week and I’ll be happy. (That’s not askin’ too much, is it?)

  • IGetCranked

    ROTFDL Kirsten! I have to say though that I do have a soft spot for Chris because someone in the biz went to his concert and said he is very married and is a good boy. I really hope he has the strength to keep that up.

    You guys are all so funny today! I love this!

    Amen MJ! I could not stand Ayla or her goucho pants.

  • Little Boy Blue

    Question : Amanda Overmyer was on the floor with Joanne last week with Joanne booted out.

    Does this mean that she got the 3rd lowest votes among the girls ?

    If so, it would be a shame. I think she did a lot better than some of the other girls.

  • Lu

    Ayla must not have learned much about research at school. it wouldn’t have taken much digging to find out that poor,inexperienced David A won Star Search. I like David A though. :) I think in Ayla’s case it’s just sour grapes.

  • bean99

    I don’t think it means that Amanda was in danger of going home, LBB. They often throw someone in there to make it seen that they’re in the bottom but unless they say so, it’s probably not true.

    Kelly Ripa had an AI behind the scenes piece on Live this morning. The only one not there was Simon but maybe because he’s on the show tomorrow. It must have been filmed before one of the top 20 shows. It was cute although I could have lived without hearing Kelly sing again.

  • MrsTrep

    LBB – just because Amanda was up there with Joanne doesn’t necessarily mean she was third lowest, Ryan never stated that to my memory, just that she was safe. What is actually stated on Idol is true. They imply a lot of things, like that she was in the bottom 3 by putting her up there like that. It’s kind of like when they break the final 9 into groups of three and two groups are safe and one is not. Doesn’t mean that group is the bottom three, just means one of them is going home!

  • jersey

    Wasn’t Ricky pretty accurate with his vote totals in the past? I might believe him over dial idol in these early rounds, especially. Not everyone who will use dial idol is voting yet – and, I believe – though I’m not sure – that it is pretty heavily used at VFTW. It may be skewed for those reasons. As the competition moves on, I think dial idol becomes more accurate.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Wow, lots to catch up on. I haven’t read all the articles, but at least the comments.

    Did the person who attended the show not know any of the songs other than “Imagine?”

    I used to be Ricky H’s “friend”, but cancelled that myspace and have a new one (long story), otherwise I’d spill. I can’t believe no one will.

    I have always been skeptical of Ricky’s vote totals (not saying he’s making them up, but may be deliberately misinformed). I don’t buy that David Cook had more votes that David A. No way, no how.

    I don’t know if Jason C only “sang” 5 times in public before the auditions, but I do believe he’s been performing as a drummer for quite a bit. I do think his experience as a “front man” is probably the most limited and I fear for him when he’s forced to lose the guitar.

    I had some other thoughts, but they went poof! :rolleyes_wp:

    ETA: Oh, Ayla Brown doesn’t strike me as the sharpest tool in the shed with her commentary on AI. Never has.

    Also, I hope Jessica Sierra is really getting the help she needs. I’m pulling for her recovery.

    ETA2: Jersey, Ricky has always released the vote totals after the eliminations, so of course they’re accurate for the person(s) going home. Now, if he’d release them prior to the show…

    ETA3: Whatever happened to Aunt Edna? LOL.

    Okay, I’m done talking to myself.

  • poporange

    I like the youngster David A he has a great voice but thier a fakyness surrounding him on AI. The overall pimpage no surprise here but the judges being surprised like they did not know about his background or appearances? Why did the phenom, I only heard attached to Tiger, not signed yet he has marketable maybe AI wants the credit. It seems like Tiger in golf it is Davids A contest to lose according what I read and heard of him. I look at him and think “little miss sunshine” thier trained at young age where to look,how to sing and how to stand .

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I am Ricky’s freind on My Space. I don’t see any spoilers there. He hasn’t logged in since the 18th…

  • Kirsten

    Speaking of new directions, Bruce Gowers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  who has directed Idol since its 2002 launch à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  is said to be on the way out, his departure perhaps fueled by a recent on-set incident (sources tell Variety).

    TV Guide

    On set incident? This sounds exciting. We need a spoiler for this.

    Top 10 Possibilities of On-Set Incidents That Would get You Canned:

    1) Accidently gave one of the cannon fodder decent lighting

    2) Drank from Paula’ cup and then directed while intoxicated

    3) Told Nigel that maybe it was time for a new hairstyle (the 70s have been over for a while).

    4) Accidently used Simon’s show outfit to clean some spilled grease (as God is his witness, he thought it was an old raggedy t-shirt). Simon was forced to wear the same sweater two shows in a row (thankfully, nobody noticed).

    5) Was caught impersonating Randy in order to make the crew laugh. “Yo DAWG, I don’t know. That lighting started out a little pitchy, but you worked it out. That sound system was on FIRE. I can’t believe it’s only 4 years old! WHAT?”

    6) Mistook one of TCOs for cannon fodder and messed with the sound monitors during rehearsal.

    7) Was overhead proclaiming “I can’t shoot Clive from his good side! He has no good side. The guy’s looked like a corpse for the last 4 years. There is only so much we can cover with make-up and a soft focus lens!”

    8) Accidently deleted the “Flames of Pimpage” background video file. New one isn’t as good.

    9) Was outed as Ricky Hoggard’s spoiler.

    10) Wore an “I (heart) Josiah Leming – The Judges are All Idiots” T-shirt to work.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gundomom CarieB

    Kirsten, as usual… :lol_tb:

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Brilliant, Kirsten. :laugh_tb:

    BTW, there’s a little google advert popping up that says Blake will be performing on Idol on 3/9, but the actual date is 3/6, top twelve results night. 3/9 is a Sunday.

  • IGetCranked

    *wipes eyes* I think this was the best list yet Kirsten!

  • jpfan

    If Blake gets to perform his new single on 3/6 that’ll show good label support. Hopefully Clive will tell him the right day. I chose #1 from Kirsten’s list.

  • jersey

    LMAO, Kirsten. Why do they leave things like that to the imagination? The real story is probably not nearly as bad as what people will think may have happened.

  • Karen

    Kirsten, I swear all 10 of those were hilarious. You da bomb! WHAT!

  • undecided

    MN Sue Feb 26th, 2008 at 12:04 pm

    For me, AI has stopped being a vehicle to discover the next great American recording star. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve become cynical about a show that wants to crown a current, relevant superstar, yet makes its captives perform from a limited ancient playlist.

    snip

    All AI has to do is put on a great show week after week and Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll be happy. (Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not askinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ too much, is it?)

    I don’t believe the show was ever about discovering a relevant superstar. I think AI and RCA have very different end goals that have evolved somewhat since the first season simply because they did accidentally create longevity in a few of them, but it wasn’t the goal and its now a handicap.

    In the first season, and this is my opinion only, the show was all about the contest and the ratings. They planned on the winner putting out a nice souvenir CD and then move out of the way for the next season’s winner. They didn’t get the winner they wanted {Tamyra} but that’s OK. Next year will be different.

    They signed the runner up to:

    1. cash in on his popularity
    2. control him so he couldn’t sign with another label
    3. delay his CD so long that it ensured his not overshadowing the winner.

    Mission accomplished. Kelly sold lots of nice souvenirs and Justin tanked.

    In the second season the goal was the same. Choose the right winner and make sure he wins, but it didn’t work out as planned. TCO/winner was lazy about promo and his CD took so long to record that many of the artists slated to collaborate on it pulled out. It was delayed and delayed until they had to release the runner up’s CD. As we know now, Clay’s CD was a big success and although Ruben sold very well, it wasn’t the way they planned it. As soon as they realized that Clay was not going to tank, they started to try to hold him back by pulling support for radio, not filling re-orders for CDs in stores, pulling “Invisible” from iTunes so that you could not download a full album from iTunes and therefore keep RIAA from certifying his CD any higher, having him cancel his first solo hour with Larry King to sing Disco with “the girls” on AI3 at the last minute and hosting Fantasia’s finale party in her home town among other things like Simon insinuating that Clay is gay every chance he gets. Clay fired 19 as his management and went to The Firm.

    At the same time during season 3, they made sure that Fantasia, TCO had no real competition at the end. They got rid of Jennifer Hudson and Latoya London, leaving only Jasmine or Diana to round out the final 3. Diana was even sabotaged during the finale with her Mic and monitors being messed with so that she was guaranteed to lose. Then she recorded a CD that was so unpromoted that it tanked out of the gate. Now the plan was back on track.

    It was after this season that the bad rumors started for Kelly, Clay and Ruben. Kelly was a diva, she wouldn’t let AI use her songs, she was difficult to work with, she lipsynchs, she’s lost her voice, she is over. When her CD Breakaway was released RCA gave it no promo. Disney had the rights to the song Breakaway because it was on the Princess Diaries soundtrack and they promoted it heavily to radio and it was a hit. Kelly fired 19 as her management and joined Clay at The Firm. Lucky for Kelly that when RCA sent out SUBG as the first official single to radio it caught fire on its own. The DJs loved it. Her career took off. CD #3 didn’t fare so well. Clive made sure of that. He similarly sabotaged Bo, Clay, Ruben and eventually Taylor because the field is getting too crowded. 4 out of 5 runner ups were tanked and dropped. 2 out of 5 Winners were also dropped. I expect that Fantasia, Blake and possibly Jordin may also be dropped within the next year. Clay’s 4th CD is due in about 2 months. There has not been a word about it from RCA or Clive. No press release, not a word in Billboard and it isn’t on the RCA website or any spring release schedules. There’s no single or advance promotion. What a surprise! Only not. I’m afraid that any promotion he gets will be what he can drum up himself.

    Season 4 and 5 follow the same basic pattern. The runner up is signed but hobbled with a CD that is not promoted or is not good because it doesn’t reflect the artist and the chosen ones get all of the promotion. Sony wants to make money off these kids but it also has an AI playbook to follow. What will Chris D. get next time? I’ll bet it doesn’t do as well as the first one, especially if Michael Johns wins.

    Sony/BMG is in bed with 19. Simon Fuller and Cowell have a great deal of power in what the AI grads record and whether it is promoted or not. Some of them were dropped and some are kept to their contracts to hold them back. On another label they may do well and AI can’t have that, control is everything.

    They need a few successes to keep the show relevant but they also need to cull the herd now and then. The successful Idol grads that still have a career after the initial hype succeed in spite of RCA and AI. I think Sony and AI play these Idols like pieces in a chess game, using or losing them as needed to keep the show relevant. They are all cannon fodder to the show. I am so cynical that I don’t believe the votes count and haven’t since season 1 when they didn’t get the winner they wanted.

  • Karen

    Undecided, gee thanks! I love background like that. I guess as cynical as I am I had never put all that together.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I am so cynical that I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe the votes count and havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t since season 1 when they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get the winner they wanted.

    You really think Taylor would have won Season 5 if they controlled the votes?

  • ealbino

    I don’t think TPTB got rid of Latoya and Jennifer Hudson.. I think alot of voters were like me..liked their voice but didn’t feel any connection to them..I thought Latoya was great but boring and thought Jennifer had a snotty attitude that turned people off. It is a tv show so they could tweak things here and there but I don’t believe they just pick a winner and then make sure they win despite voting..oh welll…my 2 cents :-)

  • undecided

    pj Feb 26th, 2008 at 5:33 pm

    You really think Taylor would have won Season 5 if they controlled the votes?

    I think that Taylor won fair and square, but I also think they let him win without interfering because they needed to make the public think that they NEVER mess with the votes. It seems to have done the job because many people now point to Taylor’s win as proof that the votes count. I think it was smart strategy by AI to do that. Only thing is, Taylor may have won, but who did they back? Chris. Who did they use to admonish the voters about getting it wrong and putting gum on his face? Taylor. So they used him to seemingly legitimize the vote. I’m not that easy to manipulate.

    The bottom line for me is that if it was all on the up and up, they would publish the vote totals and they refuse to even entertain the idea.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I know the producers are manipulative. No doubt about it. I’m not much of a conpiracy gal, so I’m going to continue to beleive the votes count.

    I don’t see how releasing vote totals would prove anything. They could just release phony totals.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Kirsten – LOVE the list. I pick #5. :)

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    LOL, Sarah. I pick #3. Although you’d think Dean the stylist would say something to Nigel.

  • itsalleternal

    Of course Sarah you may very well be on that stage next year…

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Undecided, gee thanks! I love background like that. I guess as cynical as I am I had never put all that together.

    Conspiracy theories are fun (the grassy knoll can be a blast) but it’s mostly conjecture rather than fact.

    Visit any fan board, and you’ll read the most interesting theories about why their favorite’s career didn’t go as hoped or expected. Some of it is fun to read, but mostly, it’s wishful thinking, imo.

  • undecided

    MJ, I’d love to see your take on the handling of their careers and how it all fits with how AI manipulates everything. I have often seen you shoot down other’s opinions, but have yet to hear yours in any detail.